[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource GamesPress.]

January 29, 2013 — Wargaming, one of the
leading free-to-play MMO developers and publishers, today announced
its acquisition of Chicago-based Day 1 Studios for USD 20 million.
Following the acquisition, the newly formed studio will focus
exclusively on the development of an unannounced console title.

The acquisition sets a key landmark in Wargaming’s
strategy of delivering compelling and console-focused gaming
experiences, and further reinforces the company’s steps
toward multiplatform game development. Wargaming previously
announced the acquisition of Australia-based BigWorld Pty Ltd,
which provided the company with streamlined development and server
middleware tools.

"The move into console game development is a huge step for
Wargaming, as we begin to expand our presence into new
platforms,” said Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming. “We
are looking forward to sharing the fruits of our labor
soon.”

"Wargaming is a clear leader in the free-to-play space and helps
set the standard on which all other games in the genre strive
for,” said Denny Thorley, new Head of Wargaming’s
Chicago-based studio. “Our team is extremely excited to start
the first console project for Wargaming.”

In the wake of today’s announcement, the newly opened
studio welcomes skilled professionals from around the globe to join
its development ranks.

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About Wargaming

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and
publisher and one of the leaders in the free-to-play MMO market.
Founded as a privately held company in 1998, Wargaming has shipped
more than 15 titles and employs over 1300 people across such key
regions as North America, Europe, Russia, Asia, and Australia.

Currently, Wargaming is focused on its team-based MMO war series
dedicated to mid-20
th century warfare that will include the company's
flagship armored MMO World of Tanks, launched in April 2011 and
currently boasting 45 million players worldwide, the flight combat
World of Warplanes, named one of the most anticipated MMOs, and the
naval World of Warships, both scheduled for release in 2013.

In June 2012, Wargaming announced the Wargaming.net Service, the
epicenter of the online battle gaming universe that will gather the
series under a single portal —
www.wargaming.net.

Day 1 Studios is a leading independent developer dedicated to
the craft of creating revolutionary, interactive entertainment.

The development team is a growing group of accomplished
designers, artists and engineers who understand games from creating
cutting edge content to developing the tech to support it. Led by
accomplished professionals that excel in their fields, Day 1
Studios is armed with the necessary tools to excel. Extraordinary
people attract extraordinary talent and foster an environment
focused on successfully creating industry-leading
entertainment.